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Valentino essential shopping list
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The fashion industry was shaken by the news of Valentino Garavani’s death, announced on January 19, 2026. The almost instantaneous flood of tributes from Donatella Versace, Ralph Lauren, Diane von Furstenberg, Tom Ford and Valentino’s current creative director Alessandro Michele made one thing clear. That is, here was a legend who transformed the fashion scene and became a true maestro. In the words of Italian dressmaker Alberta Ferretti, she is showing the world that “beauty can be gentle.”
Garavani launched her eponymous luxury fashion house in 1959, and it quickly became synonymous with femininity, glamor and, of course, red. That was the exact color that surrounded his body. The first “Fiesta” dressannounced in the 1959 Spring/Summer collection. Princess Diana’s velvet number From 1992, he participated in Paul McCartney’s performances. And beyond that. Over the past 60 years, Garavani’s designs have been able to charm everyone from Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy (who married Aristotle Onassis at Valentino) to Beyoncé, Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston, as stars have been captivated by the flawless elegance of Garavani’s work over the past 60 years.
“Valentino: The Italian Epic”
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $113.49
A-listers around the world turned to Garavani when they needed a show-stopping dress for the red carpet or other formal events, whether it was a captivating red hue, an asymmetrical cut, a body-grazing silhouette, the use of delicate materials like chiffon, or the inclusion of a cascading cape.
“There are only three things I can do: make dresses, decorate homes, and entertain people,” the iconic creator once told WWD.
This man’s most famous dress is far from ready-to-wear, but you can certainly pay homage to his life’s work by purchasing something that comes close. Everything from the label’s newly arrived embroidered crepe couture short dress (its buttery yellow color scheme echoes the off-the-shoulder silk taffeta dress worn by Cate Blanchett at the 2005 Oscars) to its fringed silk duchess satin tunic (featuring a Grecian profile echoing a custom piece worn by Jackie Kennedy in Cambodia, circa 1967) is sure to impress. I’m sure you’re wearing Valentino.
Below are the most valuable purchases from designers that reveal how a 5-foot-8-inch man could tower so high on the fashion scene and leave such a great legacy.
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greek style silhouette
Marie-Chantal, Crown Prince of Greece, wears Jackie Kennedy’s signature mint green Valentino dress. When Garavani and Garavani attend, he stands next to Garavani himself.
Provided by: Penske Media/Getty Images
Valentino fringed silk duchess satin tunic
Jackie Kennedy was one of Garavani’s early supporters and pledged allegiance by choosing a Valentino design for her wedding dress (during her marriage to businessman Aristotle Onassis), but her relationship with the couturier was by no means limited to that. Since attending the 1979 Met Gala, strapless all black dress The former first lady, who had saved her Greek-coded green one-shoulder dress for the main event for her official visit to Cambodia, looked flawless in every last Valentino item in her wardrobe.
And now you, too, can buy this fringed kaftan-inspired pick at leading women’s clothing retailer Mytheresa. While the color doesn’t exactly match Kennedy’s costume (and later that of the Greek crown prince), we love the fact that you can pair the 100 percent silk top with similarly flowy pants or show off some leg with a spin solo. Classic yet never afraid to add a little flair, this tunic embodies what Garavani has always done best: dressing women in their best style while highlighting their natural beauty.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $4,340
Butter yellow bliss
Cate Blanchett poses after accepting the Best Supporting Actress award at the 77th Academy Awards on February 27, 2005. She’s wearing Valentino.
Courtesy: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images
Valentino embroidered crepe couture short dress
Don’t be fooled by the misconception of Garavani. only I worked in the red area. Indeed, say the phrase “Valentino Red” and one conjures up visions of the vibrant scarlet that the designer has used so heavily throughout his career (and believe it or not, this color holds a unique place in Pantone’s extensive color library). But Garavani went beyond this romance-filled hue, wrapping some of his finest pieces in the aforementioned mint green, as well as black, brown, creamy white, and the butter yellow seen above.
Notably, Cate Blanchett appeared in this shade at the 2005 Oscars, and Kaia Gerber was also spotted wearing it (albeit in a near-white shade, masterminded by Valentino) at the 2025 Oscars afterparty. Still on trend in both the fashion and interior design worlds, butter yellow is notable as part of the just-launched Valentino Embroidered Crepe Couture Short Dress. More cropped than Garavani’s typical red carpet masterpieces, delicate crepe fabrics, 100% silk linings, and playful touches like rhinestone embroidery and ribbons all add to the glamor. Whether you’re wearing it to an upcoming gala or making the piece more casual for your next lunch date with the help of a chic denim jacket, it’s sure to give you something to look forward to. We believe that Garavani does not scoff at the latter combination.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $5,900
long, flowy, and red
Dua Lipa attended the British Academy Awards on February 18, 2024, wearing a Valentino dress with a striking scarf neckline.
Courtesy: Adrian Dennis/Getty Images
Valentino long cady couture dress
Before you say anything else, the $13,000 price tag you pay for a Valentino dress isn’t that surprising considering the label’s patriarch was (and still is) one of the biggest names in fashion, even after his retirement in 2008 (he was nicknamed “The Chic of Chic” by WWD publisher and editor-in-chief John Fairchild). Here you can enjoy all the benefits of his most acclaimed haute couture. This stunning red dress has ruching at the waist and a sexy slit down the leg, contrasting with the conservative nature of the mock neck.
Hollywood’s elite, including Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, and Anne Hathaway, have enthusiastically said “yes” to Valentino Redd. Since he first fell in love with the color in the Fiesta style, it has appeared in most Valentino collections and has served as Garavani’s personal lucky charm. Whether the dress in question is fitted or flowing, spaghetti straps or V-neck, caped or streamlined, red makes it unforgettable, which is exactly the effect Garavani was aiming for. Witness it firsthand with Long Caddy. Notice our words.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $13,000
frills all the way
Doja Cat attends the 2023 TIME100 Gala on April 26, 2023 in New York City. Her choice for the occasion was Valentino’s Spring 2023 Haute Couture dress.
By: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Valentino Ruffle Cuff Crepe Couture Short Dress
Garavani was a proponent of texture in gowns. This meant ruffles on the cuffs and the front of the dress were never an option. This haute couture selection is formal throughout, with the exception of a fun ruffle on the wrist that makes the birch shade look even more dreamy. When you purchase this Saks bestseller, you’ll be in good company as stars from Doja Cat and Nicola Colan to Apple Martin appear in Valentino styles that boast plenty of ruffles. Martin’s look, courtesy of Alessandro Michele, is actually a homage to the Maison’s founder, proving once again how inseparable such details are from everything Garavani stands for.
Wear this short and sweet piece before your next night out and complete it with the perfect Valentino accessory (we recommend the brand’s range of handbags, which feature an instantly recognizable logo in the form of gold hardware).
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $4,800
Shop more Valentino bestsellers
Valentino Ballerina Embellished Leather Flats
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $990
Valentino Signature Mini Ribbon Detail Shoulder Bag
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $1,590
Valentino Le Chat de la Maison Nylon Bag Charm with Keyring
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $690
Valentino Chez Valentino bracelet (metal, enamel and Swarovski crystals)
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $2,150
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